Sox Call Up Middlebrooks, Option Beato

The Red Sox made their third base move for the stretch run Saturday, optioning right handed reliever Pedro Beato and calling up Will Middlebrooks. Fill in third baseman Brandon Snyder was placed on the DL.

June 23, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Boston Red Sox third baseman Will Middlebrooks (16) sits in dugout against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

According to WEEI’s Rob Bradford, the Sox will call up Middlebrooks on Saturday to replace Snyder. Middlebrooks was sent down the minors after just over 200 at bats early in the 2013 season after posting a horrific .192/.228/.389  slash line.

When Middlebrooks returns he’ll have to correct his major flaw – poor pitch selection and swinging at clear balls. If he exercises more plate discipline as he did before being injured in 2012, he’ll likely be successful. In 45 games in Pawtucket Middlebrooks posted pedestrian numbers of 268/.327/.464.

Lately Middlebrooks has, however, been swinging a better bat, hitting safely in eight straight games, drawing two walks and cracking two homers earlier this week.

The good news is that Middlebrooks can hardly be worse than Snyder and Boston’s other platooning third baseman, Brock Holt. Together Snyder and Holt posses a combined flaccid slash line of  .220/.261/.344/.605.

Here’s hoping Middlebrooks returns to form. The Red Sox will need a solid presence at the hot corner over the next two months.